The protocol formalises the close working-arrangements that already exist between the two organisations. It covers issues such as training and funding as well as operational responsibilities. Legislative changes arising from the new Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 reflect the importance of environmental protection and the fire and rescue services role in the area.

WFRS’ County Fire Officer William Brown and the Environment Agency’s Area Manager, Toby Willison, will sign the protocol at WFRS’ HQ in Leamington, at 2:00pm.

Under the protocol, WFRS will notify the Environment Agency at an early stage of incidents and, through the established protocols and ongoing training, ensure that even seemingly harmless substances such as milk and other foodstuffs do not adversely affect the environment.

WFRS is ideally placed to minimise the impact harmful substances have on the environment as its officers are often the first on the scene at many incidents.

The Environment Agency provides WFRS with equipment to minimise the impact of pollution during incidents. Every fire appliance now carries a pollution 'Grab Pack' containing drain seals, booms that skim and collect oil from the surface of watercourses and oil absorbent materials.

WFRS has also been provided with specialist equipment, including pumps, tanks, larger booms and containers for leaking drums, as well as materials for absorbing liquids. All this equipment is held in a specialist Environment Protection Unit (EPU).

The EPU, which is based at Atherstone, is carried to the incident on the back of a specially adapted lorry. In 2005, the EPU team has been called 46 times.

One serious incident the EPU attended was the Watson Petroleum fire in Rugby on 11 January 2005. This was one of the largest fires in recent memory in Warwickshire, with it involving fuel tanks containing 160,000 litres of highly flammable diesel and kerosene. The EPU was called to the incident and officers deployed booms at strategic locations.

This not only enabled the containment of the oil but also its removal and subsequent disposal by vacuum tanker. Teamwork and dedication in the face of a very difficult situation avoided what could have been a catastrophic pollution incident on the River Avon.

Speaking about the protocol, Toby Willison says: ‘Up and down the country fire brigades are key partners in our work to protect the environment from the threats posed by incidents. This protocol builds on the already strong links we have established with Warwickshire Fire Service.

‘The timely deployment of pollution prevention measures at incidents is vital to the protection of rivers and groundwater resources. The Watson Petroleum incident is a perfect example where quick deployment and teamwork can prevent a major incident.’

For the Fire and Rescue Service, County Fire Officer William Brown says: ‘Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service have been working with the Environment Agency for sometime. This protocol takes the partnership forward and enables the Fire and Rescue Service to contribute towards the reduction of damage to the environment caused by the incidents we attend.

‘By its very nature, fire causes damage to the environment. However, we also attend a range of other incidents from road traffic collisions to chemical spillages. These types of incidents can also have a significant impact on the environment.

‘This protocol ensures that the Environment Agency and ourselves continue to work in partnership to reduce the impact of these incidents. This partnership is in keeping with the expanding role of the fire and rescue service in reducing risk within the community which includes our local environment.’

More information:

There will be an opportunity on the day (22 November 2005) to see the Environment Unit in action, with fire fighters giving a demonstration of the equipment and how it is deployed to protect the environment.